The status of the bull shark is widely known to anyone who has an interest in fish.
Due to its large, high-level of testosterone, and widespread presence in famous swimming and fishing areas, it is considered the most dangerous fish in the world in some circles.
While filming a broadcast programme in the Chandeleur Islands off the coast of Biloxi, Mississippi in 2002. I caught a five foot. The fish program on television network Keith Warren was being filmed for this.
I hopped over and waded to the lender with the fish still fighting, so I decided it would be best if we had to capture the shark first from the shore ( for a newspaper story I was working on ).
After filming the entire incident, we discussed bull sharks protection and the issue.
Bull sharks, for example, play a significant role in nature, but they are potentially dangerous to humans.
” Sharks are the apex predator in the Gulf of Mexico, and without them, the whole food chain may be disrupted. Cows have incredibly thick hide, so I’m thinking I’ll transfer this one to fight another day.
Keith and I then led the large fish back into the water, showing him how to properly push liquid through its gills to revive it. The fish appeared worn away, but it quickly regained power. We exchanged words about a job well done and began to walk back to shore as Kaith prodded it out in the direction of the strong.
The fish we had released then turned around and swam away about 20 feet. About 30 miles from the bank, we were in the water to our knees. I knew we would never be able to beat the fish, so I made sure to push it as hard as I was.
As it got about 10 feet from us, it turned backward for a minute as if it shows its power, and then turned the other way. We both sighed pleasure and were relieved that the camera was still active because we had no faith in ourselves. We ended the shot by saying things about a close call.
Check out what transpired while tagging fish for the Mote Marine Laboratory and Sea Grant near Sabine Pass, Texas if you find that to be a little humorous.
I went out with Clint Starling and Bill Killian. We soon began catching sharks 10 miles north of the jetties and set up close to a setup. A few were blacktips and bowlers but most were Atlantic sharpnose, fish, a species usually called” dust fish” that grows to a maximum of around four feet in length.
The Gulf is completely open, but a great crew boat that works the oil rigs starts out in a huge wave and explodes 50 yards away in a huge wave. Our ship nearly capsized, and everything in it flew, including the three-foot Atlantic sharpnose I was tagging.
The fish grabbed my leg when we returned to our starting position and fell on my leg. I knocked it up and saw a lot of blood before it bit down deep enough to get a slab.
I assured them that everything would work out despite their fears. He refused to say whether he had any drinking or oxygen.
I looked down and saw a can of Dr. Pepper so I poured that on the wound, figuring it could n’t hurt, pulled the bandana off my head and contained the bleeding. The fish were also biting, despite Bill’s desire to return to the dock.
We continued to watch for an additional hour and tagged more predators.
I was left with a flawless shark jaw scar by the tiny Atlantic sharpnose, which served as a lifelong reminder that I do however enjoy sharks but sometimes love hurts.
The lesson of the story is that despite a few hiccups, fish protection is significant enough for me to continue to be active despite the fact that satellite tags have taught us that even the best whites can be found in our Gulf waters.
I’m just glad one of those did n’t bite me!
Chester Moore
